Chief Inspector

Chief Inspector - Now HiringWe are seeking an experienced Chief Inspector to provide leadership and oversight within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station environment. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, this position serves as a key member of the quality organization and is responsible for leading inspection activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing airworthiness reviews, and supporting quality system effectiveness.The Chief Inspector serves as the primary authority for inspection operations and plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with FAA regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality standards. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring extensive knowledge of aircraft component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), quality assurance, and airworthiness requirements.The ideal candidate is a highly knowledgeable aviation quality professional who possesses strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of FAA regulatory requirements. They are capable of making sound airworthiness decisions, mentoring inspection personnel, and ensuring compliance across all repair station operations.Inspection Leadership & OversightDirect and oversee all inspection activities within the repair station.Ensure maintenance, repair, overhaul, testing, and inspection activities are performed in accordance with approved technical data and regulatory requirements.Review and approve inspection procedures, quality processes, and work instructions.Provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to inspectors and quality personnel.Serve as the designated quality authority in the absence of the Quality Manager.Regulatory ComplianceEnsure compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations, Repair Station Manual requirements, and quality management system procedures.Maintain oversight of inspection processes to ensure adherence to customer, regulatory, and company standards.Work closely with management to address compliance concerns and implement corrective actions.Monitor changes to regulatory requirements and support implementation throughout the organization.Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.Airworthiness & Documentation ReviewReview airworthiness documentation and maintenance records for completeness and accuracy.Verify that all maintenance and repair activities comply with approved technical data.Oversee return-to-service processes and verify proper completion of release documentation.Review and approve FAA Form 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificates and supporting documentation, as authorized.Ensure proper record retention and documentation control requirements are maintained.Audit & Quality System SupportSupport FAA, customer, and third-party audits and inspections.Prepare documentation and records for regulatory reviews.Investigate quality findings, customer concerns, and nonconformance issues.Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities.Monitor quality metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.Assist in maintaining compliance with AS9100 and other applicable quality standards.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Maintenance, Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure operational compliance and product quality.Participate in production and quality review meetings.Support training initiatives related to regulatory compliance, quality requirements, and inspection procedures.Provide technical guidance regarding inspection standards, regulatory interpretation, and airworthiness requirements.Required Qualifications:FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required.Minimum of 5 years of experience in aviation maintenance, inspection, quality assurance, or repair station operations.Previous experience within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station environment.Strong working knowledge of FAA regulations, airworthiness requirements, and repair station quality systems.Experience reviewing maintenance records, inspection reports, and return-to-service documentation.Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory documents.Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic maintenance record systems.Preferred Qualifications:Previous experience serving as a Chief Inspector, Lead Inspector, Quality Supervisor, or Quality Manager.Inspection Authorization (IA) certification.Experience with aircraft electrical, power generation, power distribution, or electromechanical component repair.Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards and aerospace quality systems.Experience supporting FAA audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.Familiarity with EASA and other international aviation regulatory requirements.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sarasota, FL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Sarasota, FL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.